Human impact on the environment

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Notas de aula

Human Impact on Forests and Spotted Owls

Logging is the practice of cutting down trees for wood, sometimes clearing large areas of forest.
In the Lake Chelan area, forest disturbances increased from 1987 to 2017, indicating deforestation.
Spotted owl populations decreased from 1993 to 2018, while barred owl populations increased.
Tree cover loss in Chelan provides evidence that deforestation is occurring.
Logging impacts the spotted owl's habitat by removing trees they need for nesting and hunting.
The increase in barred owls may be due to habitat changes favoring them over spotted owls.

A tree plantation for paper and a paper-making factory

Mining and Its Environmental Impacts

Mining involves extracting minerals from the Earth, often through open pit or underground methods.
Open pit mining removes large amounts of soil and rock, changing the landscape and creating mine dumps and pits.
Mining can cause air pollution from dust and gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Water pollution can occur if chemicals and tailings (waste materials) leak into water systems, harming wildlife and humans.
Mining provides jobs and economic benefits, but also has negative environmental consequences.
Recycling and reducing consumption can help mitigate the impacts of mining.

The Premier Diamond Mine outside Pretoria

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

Natural resources are classified as renewable (unlimited or replenished quickly) or nonrenewable (limited).
Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, water, and biomass; they can be used sustainably.
Nonrenewable resources include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals; they take millions of years to form.
Fossil fuels are being used faster than they can be replaced, leading to depletion.
Per-capita consumption of resources affects Earth's systems; developed countries often consume more energy per person.
Conservation and use of renewable energy can reduce demand for nonrenewable resources.

Recycling bins for paper, plastic, and cans

Oil Spills and Their Effects

Oil spills occur during transport or drilling accidents, causing severe harm to marine life.
Oil-coated birds cannot regulate body temperature and may die without human help.
The Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 released about 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
Cleanup methods include removal (burning, skimming), containment (booms), dispersal (chemicals), and natural bacteria.
Oil spills have economic impacts on fishing, tourism, and real estate, and environmental impacts on wildlife and habitats.
Monitoring with sensors and regulations can help prevent and mitigate future spills.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion

Conservation of Ecosystems

Ecosystems naturally recycle materials, but human interference can disrupt them.
Human threats include habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, and poaching.
Biodiversity loss occurs when ecosystems are damaged, affecting all interconnected species.
Conservation efforts by individuals and organizations (e.g., Greenpeace) help protect ecosystems.
Actions like recycling, reducing waste, and supporting conservation can make a difference.
Environmental awareness and education are key to sustainable resource use.

Notable conservationists and environmental advocates

Slides

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CADASTRE-SE — GRÁTIS ENTRAR

Questões de prática

Prévia grátis — 8 de 45 perguntas. Cadastre-se para ver todas.

1.Which of the following best defines a natural resource?
Easy
- ASomething supplied by nature and used to improve living conditions
- BSomething made by humans to replace natural materials
- CA resource that is always unlimited and never runs out
- DA resource that is only found in oceans
2.Which of the following is a renewable resource?
Easy
- ACoal
- BOil
- CWind
- DNatural gas
3.Fossil fuels are considered nonrenewable because they take millions of years to form and are being used faster than they can be naturally made.
Easy
True or false?
4.Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy resource?
Easy
- ASolar power
- BWind power
- CHydropower
- DNuclear power
5.Entire forests are considered renewable because individual trees can be replanted and grow again within a few decades.
Easy
True or false?
6.Which of the following is a negative environmental impact of open pit mining?
Medium
- ACreation of job opportunities
- BLarge unsightly and dangerous holes in the ground
- CIncreased tourism
- DImproved infrastructure
7.Which of the following are human interferences that cause loss of biodiversity? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AHabitat destruction like deforestation
- BPollution causing global warming
- CAlien invasive plants taking over ecosystems
- DConservation efforts
- EHunting and poaching
8.Which of the following is a method for cleaning up oil spills that involves using bacteria that eat and break down oil?
Medium
- ARemoval by burning
- BContainment with booms
- CDispersal with chemicals
- DNatural clean-up crews

Mais perguntas

9.Why are developing nations expected to increase their demands on natural resources?
Medium
- AThey have smaller populations
- BThey are building more factories
- CThey have more renewable resources
- DThey use less energy per person
10.The United States per capita energy use has increased steadily over the period shown in the graph.
Easy
True or false?
11.Why are individual trees considered renewable but an entire forest considered nonrenewable?
Medium
- ATrees grow quickly but forests take centuries to regrow
- BIndividual trees can be replanted and grow again within a few decades, but cutting an entire forest affects the whole ecosystem
- CForests are made of nonrenewable materials
- DTrees are not living organisms
12.The Gulf of Mexico oil spill was the largest oil spill in U.S. history, exceeding the Exxon Valdez spill.
Easy
True or false?
13.Which of the following is a constraint (limitation) in the oil spill cleanup criteria?
Medium
- AThe oil needs to be removed from the water
- BThe cleanup should happen as quickly as possible
- CThe cleanup should cost as little as possible
- DThe cleanup should be done without harming wildlife
14.Which of the following are negative impacts of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on the economy? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AFishing ban imposed on one-third of the Gulf
- BTourism declined
- CReal estate prices declined
- DIncreased job opportunities
- EImproved water quality
15.Match each type of renewable energy resource with its correct description.
Medium
- Solar power
- Wind power
- Hydropower
- Geothermal power
- Uses solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity
- Windmills transform wind energy into electricity
- Energy of moving water turns turbines to generate electricity
- Natural flow of heat from Earth's core produces steam to turn turbines
16.Match each human interference with its effect on biodiversity.
Medium
- Habitat destruction
- Pollution causing global warming
- Alien invasive plants
- Hunting and poaching
- Loss of habitats for species
- Changes in climate affecting species survival
- Competition with native species
- Direct killing of wildlife
17.Which of the following is the most likely reason that the spotted owl population has declined while the barred owl population has increased?
Medium
- AHabitat destruction from logging has reduced suitable forest for spotted owls, while barred owls are more adaptable.
- BBarred owls are better at hunting than spotted owls, so they outcompete them for food.
- CSpotted owls are more sensitive to climate change than barred owls.
- DBarred owls are more resistant to disease than spotted owls.
18.A student claims that the increase in barred owl populations is directly caused by the decrease in spotted owl populations. Using the data from Diagram 3, which of the following statements best evaluates this claim?
Medium
- AThe claim is supported because the two populations show opposite trends over time.
- BThe claim is not supported because correlation does not imply causation; other factors like habitat change may affect both.
- CThe claim is supported because barred owls are known predators of spotted owls.
- DThe claim is not supported because the data shows both populations increasing together.
19.A town is considering building a dam to generate hydroelectric power. Which of the following is an environmental trade-off of this renewable energy source?
Medium
- AIt produces no waste or pollution, but it can cause destruction of habitat if dams are created.
- BIt produces no waste or pollution, but it is expensive to build.
- CIt produces no waste or pollution, but it relies on unpredictable weather.
- DIt produces no waste or pollution, but it uses a nonrenewable resource.
20.Which of the following were negative impacts of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill?
Medium
- AKilling plankton at the base of the food web
- BDeclining real estate prices along the Gulf
- CIncreased tourism in the region
- DFishing ban imposed by NOAA on one-third of the Gulf
- EIncreased population of endangered sea turtles
21.Put the following events in the order they occurred during the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- Deepwater Horizon rig explodes
- Rig sinks and pipe bends, oil begins gushing
- Well is successfully capped
- Relief wells are drilled and the well is declared dead
22.A student wants to test the effectiveness of different oil spill cleanup methods. Which experimental design would best compare the methods under controlled conditions?
Medium
- AUse the same amount of oil and water in separate containers, apply each method, and measure the amount of oil removed after a set time.
- BUse different amounts of oil in each container to simulate real spills, apply each method, and observe which looks cleanest.
- CApply all methods to the same oil spill in sequence and record observations after each method.
- DUse the same method on different types of oil and measure the time taken for each to be removed.
23.Which of the following are potential environmental impacts of open pit mining?
Medium
- ACreation of large unsightly holes in the ground
- BAir pollution from dust and harmful gases
- CContamination of water systems with acid and chemicals
- DIncreased biodiversity due to new habitats
- EFormation of mine dumps that change the landscape
24.Match each oil spill cleanup method with its correct description.
Medium
- Removal
- Containment
- Dispersal
- Oil is corralled and burned, or separated by machines on ships
- Floating booms trap oil, but only work in calm seas
- Chemical dispersants speed up natural mixing of oil with water
25.Put the following events in the order they occurred during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (from earliest to latest).
Hard
- Explosion on the drilling rig kills 11 workers
- The drill rig sinks and oil begins to gush from the well
- Efforts to cap the well fail
- The well is successfully capped
- Relief wells are drilled and the well is declared dead
26.A student wants to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chemical dispersants on the rate of oil degradation by bacteria. Which of the following would be an appropriate control?
Medium
- AA container with oil, bacteria, and no dispersant
- BA container with oil, dispersant, and no bacteria
- CA container with only oil and water
- DA container with bacteria and dispersant but no oil
27.A mineral ore is found close to the surface. Which type of mining would be most appropriate for extracting it?
Medium
- AOpen pit mining
- BUnderground mining
- CShaft mining
- DPlacer mining
28.Renewable resources have a limited supply and nonrenewable resources have an unlimited supply.
Easy
True or false?
29.Water is considered a nonrenewable resource because it is always being replenished through the water cycle.
Easy
True or false?
30.Complete the sentence about resource classification.
Easy
Resources that are unlimited or can be replenished by natural processes about as quickly as humans use them are called ____ resources.
31.What is the term for the practice of cutting down trees for wood?
Easy
32.Complete the sentence about mining impacts.
Easy
Mining activities produce ____ dioxide, which contributes to air pollution.
33.At current rates of use, scientists estimate that petroleum will be used up in about how many years?
Medium
34.Complete the sentence about oil spill cleanup methods.
Medium
Floating ____ are placed on the surface offshore to trap oil, but they are only effective in calm water.
35.What is the term for the materials left over after separating valuable minerals from ore?
Easy
36.About how many barrels of oil were estimated to have entered the Gulf from the Deepwater Horizon spill?
Medium
37.Complete the sentence about renewable resources.
Easy
Renewable resources have an ____ supply, while nonrenewable resources have a ____ supply.
38.Evaluate which oil spill cleanup method is best, based on the criteria and constraints of removing the oil quickly and at low cost.
Hard
39.Explain how the human use of forest products has affected spotted owl populations. Provide two pieces of evidence from the diagrams.
Hard
40.Describe two environmental impacts of mining, and explain how each can be mitigated.
Hard
41.At current rates of use, scientists estimate that petroleum will be used up in about how many years?
Medium
- A45 years
- B60 years
- C50 years
- D55 years
42.About how many barrels of oil were estimated to have entered the Gulf from the Deepwater Horizon spill?
Medium
- A5390000 barrels
- B4410000 barrels
- C4900000 barrels
- D5880000 barrels
43.Farmers used to control crop-eating insects mainly with synthetic pesticides, some of which turned out to carry health risks. Many farms now also place bluebird boxes among their crops to attract bluebirds. How does this reduce the environmental impact of pest control?
Medium
- ABluebirds nesting in the boxes eat crop-damaging insects, so farmers can rely less on pesticides.
- BBluebirds nesting in the boxes pollinate the crops that would otherwise need to be pollinated by hand.
- CBluebird boxes are cheaper to buy and maintain than pesticides, so farmers save money.
- DBluebird boxes attract other birds that scare people away from spraying pesticides.
44.Road salt is spread near a reservoir every winter to keep the road safe for drivers. Which statement correctly describes how this could affect the reservoir's water quality?
Easy
- ASalt washed off the road can run into the reservoir and contaminate the drinking water and nearby wells.
- BSalt has little effect on water quality because organisms need a certain amount of salt anyway.
- CSalt kills plants near the reservoir, which increases the amount of water available for human use.
- DSalt has no effect on water quality because salt and water do not react with each other.
45.The graph shows historical water supply and water use for the Colorado River Basin, and projections through 2060. Scientists link the rising water-use trend to a growing human population. Using the graph, explain how a continuing increase in population is likely to affect future water use in the basin, and what impact that could have on the river system.
Medium

Resumos de revisão

## Human Impact on the Environment - **Anthropogenic** effects are changes caused by human activity. The term **Anthropocene** describes the current geological epoch dominated by human influence. - **Key drivers**: population growth, overconsumption, pollution, deforestation, and burning fossil fuels. - **Overconsumption** occurs when resource use exceeds the ecosystem's sustainable capacity. Measured by **ecological footprint** – humanity's demand is 70% higher than Earth's regeneration rate. - **Lifestyle matters**: developed nations consume resources ~32 times more per person than developing nations. - **Biodiversity loss**: humans have caused 83% loss of wild mammals and half of plants. Livestock (chickens, cattle, pigs) vastly outweigh wild mammals. - **Population growth** is a major driver of environmental issues, but some argue overconsumption is equally or more important. - **Fossil fuel use** (electricity, cars, planes, manufacturing) and deforestation contribute to global warming. - **Impacts**: global warming, ocean acidification, mass extinction, ecological crisis. ### Key Formulas/Definitions - **Ecological footprint**: compares human demand on ecosystems with the amount of planet matter ecosystems can renew. - **Human overshoot**: when resource use outpaces sustainable capacity. ### Remember - Human impact = population × affluence × technology (IPAT concept, implied). - Reducing consumption and population growth (especially among wealthy) can help shrink humanity's footprint.

Anthropogenic: Effects or objects resulting from human activity.
Anthropocene: The current geological epoch where human activity is the dominant influence on the environment.
Overconsumption: Resource use that exceeds the sustainable capacity of the ecosystem.
Ecological footprint: A measure of human demand on ecosystems compared to the planet's ability to regenerate resources.
Human overshoot: A situation where resource use has outpaced the sustainable capacity of the ecosystem.

Flashcards

What is the term for environmental changes caused directly or indirectly by humans?

Anthropogenic environmental impact.

What are four severe effects of human modification of the environment?

Global warming, environmental degradation (e.g., ocean acidification), mass extinction and biodiversity loss, and ecological collapse.

List three human activities that cause global-scale environmental damage.

Population growth, overconsumption, and pollution.

What is overconsumption?

Overconsumption is when resource use exceeds the sustainable capacity of the ecosystem.

How is overconsumption measured?

By the ecological footprint, which compares human demand on ecosystems with the planet's ability to regenerate resources.

According to the Global Footprint Network, how much higher is humanity's current demand compared to the regeneration rate of all ecosystems?

70% higher.

What two factors besides raw population number affect humanity's overall impact on the planet?

Lifestyle (affluence and resource use) and pollution generated (including carbon footprint).

How much more do inhabitants of developed nations consume resources like oil and metals compared to those in developing nations?

Almost 32 times more.

What percentage of wild mammals have been lost due to human civilization?

83%.

How does the biomass of domesticated cattle and pigs compare to that of all wild mammals?

Domesticated cattle and pigs outweigh all wild mammals by 14 to 1.

What is the projected increase in global meat consumption by 2050?

It is projected to more than double, possibly by as much as 76%.

What did the 2017 warning to humanity from over 15,000 scientists assert about human population growth?

That rapid human population growth is the 'primary driver behind many ecological and even societal threats.'

According to the 2019 UN Global Assessment Report, what is a significant factor in contemporary biodiversity loss?

Human population growth.

What did a 2021 report in Frontiers in Conservation Science propose about population size and growth?

That they are significant factors in biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and pollution.

What concern did E. O. Wilson express about the human population reaching six billion?

That human biomass exceeded that of any other large land-dwelling animal species ever by over 100 times.

Why is attributing overpopulation as a cause of environmental issues controversial?

Because demographic projections show population growth slowing and peaking in the 21st century, and many experts believe global resources can meet demand; also, blaming overpopulation may unfairly target poor populations in the Global South.

What is the term for the current geological epoch characterized by major human impact on the environment?

Anthropocene.

Who introduced the term 'Anthropocene'?

Atmospheric scientist Paul Crutzen in the mid-1970s.

What is a major source of human-caused environmental heating?

Burning of fossil fuels for electricity, cars, planes, space heating, manufacturing, and deforestation.

What does the term 'anthropogenic' mean?

An effect or object resulting from human activity.

What is the ecological footprint?

A resource accounting approach that compares human demand on ecosystems with the amount of planet matter ecosystems can renew.

What is a prolonged pattern of overconsumption likely to lead to?

Environmental degradation and eventual loss of resource bases.

What is the relationship between population growth and overconsumption according to some studies?

They are interdependent.

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